r.j.c.omanche

or i could steal jeepco's idea and go with a 3800.

so i did a compression test on the 2.5 and found: #1) 75 psi #2) 72 psi #3) 70 psi #4) 79 psi then i rechecked each hole with a small amount of oil poured down cylinder #1) 125 psi #2) 130 psi #3) 100 psi #4) 180 psi :wall: from my experience this means the rings are not sealing properly. the truck had a overheating problem and a horrible amount of blow-by, you can see the oil covering the engine and possibly see how the PCV valves are silconed into the valve cover: Image Not Found also the air filter reminded me of an oil bath type from a tractor :yes: so i proceded to tear the engine down and i did find a blown head gasket: Image Not Found Image Not Found Image Not Found but i am worried about the bottom end. and since i am going to swap a 4.0 in eventually, I'm thinking a may just do it now. option #1) there is a '94 XJ on the local craigslist with a 4.0 H.O. and i assume its an auto. it was posted about a month ago so i don't know if it's still available ( i will call in the a.m.) . the ad said it's wrecked but it runs and will drive onto a trailer $250 option #2) i friend's brother has a '88 XJ wagoneer ( i luv the quad headlights :banana: ) 4.0 with a pretty dam fresh auto tranny. I'm told it could be had for about $300. but it might also have a blown head gasket :headpop:. if that's true i will probably pass on this one. option #3) fix the 2.5L any suggestions??

:help: i have a '86 2.5L with a headgasket (? i think?) problem. i have a chance to get a '88 XJ 4.0, auto for cheap, cause it's rusty. is this a good year? bad year? does it matter? i know it would not be a H.O. motor, so my next question: what's the differences between a 4.0 and a 4.0 H.O. ?? :dunno: thanx

:popcorn:

supposedly this truck was from a base in VA and had a snow plow on it. that sorta explains why it has a blown head gasket and has had the tranny rebuilt with less than 40,000 miles on the truck

what if i went spring over from the start? would i still need to drop the t-case?

good info, thanx for the help guys. i didn't think rough country was 'that' bad, but i did not know that they were 'that' good. awesome.

i am looking at a rough country 4.5" lift for my comanche. i have heard that most rough country lifts are just that, ROUGH, but it seems to come with all the stuff. and it seems upgrade-able, so if i want to go spring over in the rear i could remove the add-a-leaf and shackles and go spring over (something i have already considered for the future). and if i decide to go long arm front, it seems a rusty's kit would work. i have a connection with a local rough country dealer and he can get me a very good price, or should i save my pennies and go with a rusty's long arm/ spring over from the start ? i plan on driving this truck daily, i plan on keeping 31s on it (unless / until i upgrade to a 4.0L), i don't mind a stiff ride (1970s 3/4 ton comes to mind), but i am going to 'wheel it and would like it to flex well. :???:

i called the local napa yesterday, they deal with a well know local machine shop, and quoted me $220 to researface the head and do a valve job. $56 for a head gasket kit. the power steering pump is making a lot of noise too, but i hope it is just low on fluid. hopefully i can get time to remove the head this weekend. i took some real pics today as well: Image Not Found Image Not Found Image Not Found Image Not Found Image Not Found Image Not Found Image Not Found Image Not Found Image Not Found Image Not Found

soory 'bout that, didn't mean to affend ;)

:USAflag: first off is to get it running right. i have a 2" spacer kit for the front so i can run 31s on both ends. (right now it has 31s on the back and 30s on the front :???: ) then i will address the body, the drive floor board is rusted thru but that is all the rust i've found yet, and some kind of paint. i could do the rustoleum trick i did on my wagoneer: Image Not Found (no one ever belives i painted it with rustoleum and a roller, so i always post a picture) or i might buy one of those camo wrap decals, haven't decided yet. i plan on putting a 4.5" lift on it, but keeping the 31s cuase it's going to be a daily driver. and i will probabaly put a locker or limted slip in the rear so i can have some more fun on the trails. i'm sure it will end up with bumpers and sliders as well. this is my first MJ or XJ, we've had a couple XJs in the family that see some mild trail use and i think i will stick with that. my last toy was a 'yota that i built up, but i took it to far for what i want Image Not Found so i plan on keeping to the K.I.S.S. principal with this one. and it seems i have come to the right place. i know i will have way to many questions to ask, so i thank you all in adavnce for your help

:USAflag: howdy all. i have been lurking on here for a little while with hopes of getting a mj, it today i hit pay dirt. i pickup an '86 lwb 4cyl, 4 spd, 4x4. it is a retired U.S. navy plow truck with 38,099 miles! the gentleman i bought it from used it very little but put alot of work into it, new fuel tank and pump, new water pump, rebuilt transmission, and had the seat and headliner re-covered. i bought this little jem for $400! because it has a blown head gasket. it also has a horrible vaccum leak, but i did drive it onto the trailer. here are some pics i snapped with my phone, i will get some better ones this week. Image Not Found Image Not Found Image Not Found